Singing Bridgeport police officer posts edited-down YouTube video

Tom Cleary, Staff Writer

Published 11:45 pm, Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Photo: Contributed Photo

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Bridgeport police Officer Ken Ruge created a YouTube music video which had to be edited after the department determined the use of his uniform and images of his patrol car violated departmental policies.

Bridgeport police Officer Ken Ruge created a YouTube music video which had to be edited after the department determined the use of his uniform and images of his patrol car violated departmental policies.

Photo: Contributed Photo

Singing Bridgeport police officer posts edited-down YouTube video

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BRIDGEPORT -- City Police Officer Ken Ruge only wanted to create a video that served as a message for anyone looking for help figuring out what his or her place is in the world.

It may have been a lofty goal with good intentions, but in the end, his unusual, musical YouTube performance drew the ire of Police Chief Joseph Gaudett.

Last month, Ruge, a veteran officer, violated department policy by wearing his Bridgeport police uniform and appearing next to his patrol car in the video, although he said he made sure to hide any identification of the city.

After Gaudett said he wasn't "amused" by the video, Ruge took it down. But the music video is back online, without the images of his uniform or patrol car.

"The video was never meant as a Bridgeport Police issue," said Ruge. "I could not understand why the Chief made the statement `I wasn't amused.' It is not meant to be amusing."

"I put in the police part because I believe that a police officer is sort of an angel of God," Ruge added.

The edited video, according to Gaudett, is no longer a problem.

"I see no problem with the officer's video as it stands," Gaudett said in an e-mail. "He was made aware of the department's policies about the use of uniforms and vehicles for purposes other than police work, and it's clear that he now understands those policies."

Ruge, a Roman Catholic, can be seen in the video standing on the altar of his church, St. Ambrose in Bridgeport. He said the video has a deep religious message that is different for everyone who watches it.

"The video is a place for all lost souls to go and hear a message from God which is, `I am always with you and will always love you,'" he said.

The video includes scenes from the city, references to fighting the urge to use drugs and depictions of many tragedies around the world.

Ruge said he hopes he can help those in Bridgeport who are in need of guidance.

"Now that there is no police reference I put in Bridgeport, Conn., because I was born, raised and still live in this city which I love and believe is heading for greatness once again," he said.